In my career I have learned that sometimes it helps to know the person you are communicating. For example, I wanted to try something that had the potential to save money regarding overtime with employees. However, I needed the acceptance and approval from an individual who was the head of the largest number of employees to make it work. In first approaching the department head I quickly learned that he was certainly in charge of his area and did not take kindly to someone trying something different on his turf. In backing off for about two weeks, my approach was entirely different when meeting with the department head once more. I first met with him to ask him some questions, which I already knew the answers, to get his expertise and advice. He was very friendly and open and we discussed many things. A week later, I approached him in the same way on the subject of overtime. By this time, we got to know each other and had some measure of trust and I received his approval. It was my approach that I had to change to match the personality to get the best results. Linda

I teach highly technical classes involving electronics. I have created a library of close-up high definition videos of the circuits we work on in labs. This allows the class to see the work piece very clearly and allows me to make additional points on top of the lecture I have recorded with the video. Does anyone else use video in a similar way?

When I critique my students artwork, I tell good point of view first and then give corrective corrective feedback..sometimes negative feedback. Giving a negative feedback is always bad or make them encouraged? What exactly the difference between corrective and negative feedback? I think, both the corrective and negative deliver the same ideas...just a different of expressing. For example, in art work critique, elements are well organized...however, you'd better think of different colors for this part..it is corrective. This color does not go well with other colors..it is negative. But these two delivers same meaning to change colors.

How do you decide on the right amount of time for what is to be discuss? It says as long as take but could you possibily go beyound the time needed trying to make sure your audience gets all the information needed? I guess my question is what is the max number of minutes without an "over kill"?

One of the quiz questions was how long should a presentation last. I put no more than two hours and the the answer was as long as it takes. The attention span of learnings today is generally 45 minutes to a hour. Can I get some feedback on this answer?

How do you coach a person who is set in their ways and not willing to accept change? We have had many changes over the years and certain people have set habits and routines. Is there away to explain that change can be a positive thing?

By taking this course now i understand a successful presentation comes along with having time to prepare for it. In addition, knowing and understanding the subject area.

I find that if I like what I am doing the students get more out of It. If you just put the Imformation out there and hope thy get It.

When i am giving my presentation i ask my students questions about the subject, what they think about the subject, and what are the correct answers to the subject. Keep them involved.

I have all of my visual training aids, handouts, reference materials, slides ect. ready before the class begins. The students are usually like" this guy is on the ball" and I have noticed that they appreciate whhen you are ready. You will lose them if you are fumbling around looking for your supplies.

It is always helpful to reveal the communication leading style of our students. This is helpful so that the presentation delivery can be mixed.

In my opinion, the major theme of this topic is to "Be Prepared". In preparation for this task, these are some things to consider: What type of audience will I be presenting to? What materials do I need, if any to demonstrate to the audience? Will I be using visual aids (PowerPoint, etc)? Is all my information up to date? How will I introduce my presentation to my audience? Is my presentation designed to keep my audience interested and involved? How will I end my presentation? These are a few things to consider but there can be many others.

We all need to help the students to understand what they came to learn.

it seems to be a lot of work but you get what you put in to it.

Finding certain activities or questions to ask during a powerpoint presentation to students is key. Most of the time this point of class tends to be boring to the students although it is vital information geared to their future career. What are some ways that we can get them more involved during a lecture?

How do you deal with the uneven distribution of audience participation in a classroom setting? Some seem very eager to participate in class and are always willing to offer an answer while others always try to hang back in the back of the room and coast through the presentation. How might you engage the guys in the back in answering the questions to guage how they are retaining the information presented? I find that even if you ask them specifically, they often seem too timid or unsure to offer an answer and it's hit-and-miss performance from many of them on the tested material.

Should one prepare for a technical presentations any differently than a factual presentation? If so why and how?

What would be the best way to involve your audience in your presentation? I wish we had the clicker response system. Thought maybe just adding a question at the end of every slide would be an alterative. Any suggestions?

Hi. I teach Public Speaking in a business school with some very reluctant students. Often it feels like my students do not expect to have to do presentations in a class called Public Speaking which can lead to frustrating classes and experiences. The students often come from a very non-academic background and often are just learning some very basic professional development and communicatons skills. Anyone have thoughts on ways to reach these types of students.

We have to be careful of the nonverbal communication aspects when we are in the middle of an admission process. The way that we are dressed, or how confident we appear giving an explanation, it would influence the final decision that the buyer can make. It would be perfect if we can share experiences in this topic.